Arteta defends his managerial record, cites two Community Shield wins

Mikel Arteta stood by his record at Arsenal, pointing to the two Community Shields and FA Cup titles he has won since taking over in 2019.

The 42-year-old manager addressed the media in the build-up to the Gunners’ League Cup quarter-final tie against fellow London rivals Crystal Palace.

Arsenal will take on Oliver Glasner’s resurgent side on Wednesday night, seeking progression into the semi-finals for the first time since 2020/21.

It’s been over three decades since the London powerhouse last lifted the League Cup trophy.

They won the FA Cup in 2019/20, which remains Arteta’s only major title in charge of the Gunners.

However, the Spaniard has a different opinion.

Despite many dismissing the Community Shield as a minor trophy, Arteta sees it as part of his highly-scrutinised tenure at the Emirates Stadium.

When questioned about winning only one trophy during his five years at Arsenal, Arteta reminded the interviewer of his two Community Shield victories, adding, “The Charity Shield as well twice, no?

“So it’s three (trophies). We need more. We want more and we want the big ones as well.

“The pressure comes because we are at a big club. You want to do the best that you possibly can and that’s related to winning the major trophies and this is what we want to do.”

Arsenal had to settle for a runner-up Premier League finish in the last two seasons.

Though Manchester City are no longer their adversaries in the title race, the Gunners could be staring down the barrel of another heart-wrenching league campaign.

Pacesetters Liverpool are already six points off with a game in hand.

But that’s the least of Arteta’s problems.

His team failed to live up to the billing in last Saturday’s home clash against perennial strugglers Everton, drawing 0-0 at home.

And it wasn’t the first time they dropped points against lesser opposition.